MPIKC Times

Dear KCMPI Members,

It is an honor and privilege to be named 2012-2013 President of KCMPI.

When I joined this chapter as a member 5 years ago, I was looking for an organization that would provide me with great networking opportunities. KCMPI has given me this and much more. I have met so many wonderful people across the meetings industry, and I’ve learned a great deal from the unique experience each of you brings to the table. You are the people that I have come to rely on to help me solve problems or see things in a new way. Many of our relationships have grown into friendships that I treasure. And each of you has made my membership in KCMPI a wealth of both professional and personal growth, and I am truly grateful for it.

Over the years, my role with KCMPI has changed many times.
I have served on committees and the board, and so now I’m thrilled to have another chance to contribute as President. But my primary role and responsibility continues to be as a member. KCMPI is first and foremost a membership organization. We come together as individuals to share and learn, but our active participation determines the success of our events and initiatives. When each of us owns his or her membership, and comes together as a group, we create something that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. We create a community.

That’s why the 2012-2013 Board of Directors mission will be refocused on members. As members we have played a role in the success of the first thirty years, and as members we alone will determine the success of the next thirty years. So I challenge you to own your membership. Participate and engage and make this your chapter.

I am a member of KCMPI and this is my chapter!

In hospitality,

Kara Brady
2012 - 13 President - KCMPI

Konover Hotel Corporation

1931 Prairie Crossing

 

 

Please email information and suggestions for articles to Michelle Lizak, KCMPI VP Communications, Michelle.Lizak@sprint.com

Please join KCMPI on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn! 

 

 

The Programs Committee is working on delivering many new and fun educational and social programs for the 2012-13 year!  KCMPI would not be possible without YOUR participation and involvement.  Please mark your calendars with our programs scheduled this year so you can partake in the celebration of our members!


Be sure to check out our upcoming programs on our website:

• September 20, 2012 - Field 2 Table
• October 2012 - Past Presidents Program
• November 2012 -  Membership Appreciation and Trivia Night (Date TBD)

If you would like more information on our scheduled programs, please visit the KCMPI Events Calendar.  Be on the lookout for information on the 2013 programs!

Would you like to get more involved and maximize your membership with KCMPI?  The Programs Committee needs YOUR help.  On the Programs Committee there are several opportunities to target your interests and maximize your membership.  Whether you only have a small amount of time and can only help with a onetime project or you have a lot of time and want to help with ongoing or more involved projects, we have volunteer opportunities that will work with your schedule and time commitment capabilities.  If you are interested in getting involved or if you have any questions, please contact Co-Directors of Events, Celia Fritz-Watson or Victoria Green.  We look forward to having you come on-board!

 

The 2012-2013 KCMPI Board of Directors invites you to Field 2 Table.  Please join us for the 4th annual specialty event September 20.   This locally grown dining experience takes place between the soil and sky at Circle S Ranch in Lawrence, Kansas. 

Circle S Ranch is a beautiful property built in 1997 & 1998.  The drive down the country road to the ranch boasts native grasses.  The arch entrance welcomes you to the ranch where you will find gardens, buffalo, a conference center and Inn.



Dinner features locally grown foods prepared onsite by a true culinary artist, a leisurely farm-style dinner served at harvest tables set in a scenic location on the grounds.



Due to limited seating, reservations are required.  Dinner is $75 per person and includes transportation, three course meal, beverages, entertainment and gratuity.  The evening begins on the coach—park, ride and enjoy.  You won’t want to miss out!  Make your dinner reservations today to enjoy the beautiful location and atmosphere while mingling with professionals from various industries.

 

 

Excitement and hard-work is just starting for the group of candidates who are studying to obtain their CMP designation through the Convention Industry Council.    With the introduction of Computer Based Testing (see related article in this month’s KCMPI newsletter) eleven event professionals intend to take the CMP exam in November 2012 or February 2013.

The KCMPI CMP Study Group meets for 8 sessions bi-annually in order to prepare students for this industry designation.  Each semester the students are also provided the opportunity to take a mock exam that closely simulates the actual exam.  Changes are being reviewed to this process to see if locally we can provide the mock exam via the computer versus paper based.

The current session is being hosted by K-State Olathe.  This innovative facility allows for not only the locals to participate but their conference calling capabilities has provided the same opportunity for CMP candidates from Wichita, Kansas and Springfield, Missouri. 

If you are interested in finding out about the next scheduled study group please contact either of the CMP Study Group Leaders:  Lorie Salts, CMP, HelmsBriscoe, 913-499-8620 or lsalts@helmsbriscoe.com or Diane Miller, CMP, Church of the Nazarene, 913-577-0613.

 

By Michael Barratt, CMP
Senior Vice President, Meetings & Event
Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association

Membership and the reason individuals belong to associations has shifted over the years. Speaker Sarah Sladeck of XYZ University identified three main reasons for the decline of membership during "The End of Membership as We Know It" session at the PCMA Education Conference on June 12.

1. Economics and the declining economy overall
2. Changing technology – there have been more changes in the past 5 years then in the previous 50 years
3. Demographic shift – by the year 2015 there will be more Generation Y employees in the workforce than any other age group

If you factor in all of the above you realize that the face of associations and professional societies are changing as a result of changes in culture and behavior . It is our responsibility to prove ROI because individuals scrutinize how they spend every dollar and want more personal and professional value for the money they spend. In the past people attended meetings or joined associations because it was the right thing to do. From this point forward, individuals won’t attend or join without proof of value.

After attending this session, I realized we need to keep in mind our members’ needs and work to establish an emotional connection with them. The only way to eliminate the competition and corner the market is to identify our niche to maximize our association’s value. Some other tips:

• Always provide relevant and useful information.
• Work to identify ways of providing something they can’t get anywhere else and be specific about what you have to offer.
• Define your culture especially with regards to the type of customer service you provide.
• Make every experience you offer authentic and exceptional and you will strengthen your membership base.

If you haven’t already initiated conversations with younger members, start now. Get to know Generation X and Y, as they are your future members. You will discover they want a membership that provides access and action. Your future members see technology as a defining member value so you cannot afford to fall behind in this arena.

Beyond serving changing demographics, you need to ask yourself some difficult questions to ensure you are serving your membership. How does your association make a difference in your members’ lives? What would happen if your association no longer existed? These are not easy questions but in the end you will have the answers to make your membership benefits focused and prove ROI to your members.

One thing that I found really interesting from this session was the fact that Generation Y, unlike previous generations, will promote an association or a convention to others when they receive a recommendation from a peer even without personal experience. That is a pretty powerful tool if we can learn to use it.

Looking for more? Read the PCMA Education Foundation Research released 6/26 on Millennials and meetings.

This article was originally published on the PCMA Blog.

 

The Hilton President Kansas City, committed to providing their most sensitive travelers with confidence and peace of mind, is setting a new standard by offering 10 new PURE Rooms. These rooms, located on the ninth and tenth floor, create an allergy friendly environment by removing 98-100% of bacteria and viruses and up to 99% of allergens. Guests, especially those who suffer from allergies and asthma, can now enjoy the freshest air in their rooms and get a more restful sleep during their stay. 

In each PURE Room, all the surfaces have been sanitized and specially treated. Mattresses and pillows are encased to protect against dust mite related allergen triggers. Finally, a medical grade air purifier filters the air and kills bacteria, viruses and other irritants. The result is a fresh, crisp room where even sensitive guests can breathe freely and confidently.

"We are pleased to be recognized as one of the only hotels in Kansas City to offer this wonderful program. After a day of travel in a car or recycled air in an airplane, the PURE room offers a spectacular retreat." says Philip Strnad General Manager of The Hilton President Kansas City.

"Statistically, one-third of travelers report having respiratory allergies or traveling with family members who have allergic reactions," said Brian Brault, CEO of PURE Solutions. "We understand what causes these guests to be uncomfortable and have designed a system to handle almost any situation." He added, "PURE is committed to offering the best air quality for hotel guests, allergy sufferers or not."

The Hilton President Kansas City is the only AAA 4 Diamond hotel located in the Power & Light Entertainment District. The Hilton President has 213 guest rooms and offers an extensive array of amenities, combined with a high degree of refreshing hospitality, service and attention to detail.

 For More Information Contact:
Sher Wolf 816.221.9490
Philip Strnad 816.221.9490

 

CONVENTION INDUSTRY COUNCIL PARTNERS WITH PROMETRIC TO INTRODUCE COMPUTER-BASED TESTING TO CANDIDATES ACROSS THE GLOBE

ALEXANDRIA, VA --December 15, 2011--The Convention Industry Council (CIC), representing 32 membership organizations in the meetings industry, today announced a partnership with Prometric, a provider of market-leading test development and delivery solutions. Beginning in July of 2012, the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) paper-based exam will transition to a computer-based model. The electronic advancement coincides with the regular update of the CMP exam and introduction of the CMP International Standards, enhancing the global relevancy of the certification.

"Moving the CMP exam to a computer-based platform enhances efficiency and convenience for the test taker, but above all else, will propel the global meeting industry forward," stated Karen Kotowski, CAE, CMP, Chief Executive Officer of the Convention Industry Council. "More professionals in more countries will have access to an updated exam that has a stronger, internationally relevant body of knowledge. We anticipate the number of certified meeting professionals, worldwide, to increase dramatically over the next several years."

The testing windows scheduled from July 12 – July 21, 2012 and November 1 – 12, 2012 will be administered at more than 450 computer-based testing facilities in 166 countries. The paper version of the exam was previously available in Japan, Germany, Korea, Singapore, South Africa, and other select countries, but computerization will now make it available worldwide throughout Prometric’s global, secure test center network.

The new electronic model gives CIC the availability to expand from three to four testing administration windows during 2013
.
"Prometric has worked with CIC on the paper based delivery of its exam for years," said Bill Murtagh, senior vice president of sales and client services at Prometric."We view it as the ultimate vote of confidence that CIC is so satisfied with the service we provide that it has decided to trust Prometric with the evolution of their program to computerized format. We have unmatched experience in this area and are glad to be able to share our expertise with a long standing partner such as CIC."

For a complete list of CMP testing dates and to view a fact sheet on computer-based testing, visit www.conventionindustry.org.

About CIC
The Convention Industry Council's 32 member organizations represent over 103,500 individuals and 19,500 firms and properties involved in the meetings, conventions, and exhibitions industry. The mission of the Convention Industry Council is to provide a forum for member organizations to exchange information on global trends and topics, promulgate excellence in best practices and guidelines, collaborate on industry issues and advocate the value of the meetings, conventions, exhibitions and events industry.

About Prometric
Prometric, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ETS, is a trusted provider of technology-enabled testing and assessment. Its market-leading test development and delivery solutions allow clients to develop and launch global testing programs as well as accurately measure program results and data. Prometric reliably delivers and administers more than 10 million tests a year on behalf of approximately 400 clients in the academic, financial, government, healthcare, professional, corporate and information technology markets. It delivers tests flexibly via the Web or by utilizing a robust network of more than 450 test centers in more than 160 countries. For more information, please visit www.prometric.com.

 

As current President of KCMPI I think it goes without saying that I enjoy this organization and see the value in my membership; although, that was not always the case.  When I joined KCMPI over five years ago, I was fairly new to the sales side of the industry and felt inexperienced and unqualified to join this organization.  I did not have many contacts within the organization and was intimidated and unsure as to where I would fit into KCMPI.  I attended my first event and, although I felt welcome and did meet new people, I still did not see what KCMPI had to offer me.  It was not until a few more events and more contacts that I was asked to join the Membership Committee.  I did not have a lot of time to be on a committee and I was hesitant as to what I had to offer them,but I knew the experience would be good.   My experience with the Membership Committee was great!  I met and got to know so many people and really felt like I was helping KCMPI.  The next year I was on two committees and I won the Rising Star Award.  I was amazed that in such a short time I had made such a presence in the chapter and felt honored when I was nominated to the KCMPI Board of Directors the following year. 

I look back to when I first joined and know that my experience with KCMPI could have gone a lot differently if I had not made that first step and gotten involved.  The saying, "You get out what you put in" is true in this case, and I am thankful that I put the time and effort into my membership.  KCMPI has given me the opportunity to create a great network of industry contacts, and grow my experience and knowledge as a supplier in this organization.  I am thankful to KCMPI for the professional and personal growth and for the long lasting friendships that I count on and value. 

I am a proud member of KCMPI and I Love What We Do!

 

As KCMPI kicks off its Member-centric year, Leadership is focusing on YOU and enhancing your KCMPI experience. Volunteering as a committee member or chair is an excellent avenue to connect with other KCMPI members and meeting professionals,develop lasting friendships and leave your awesome mark within our Chapter.

Leading a committee or being a committee member does not have to be time consuming.  KCMPI has many areas in which needs would take between 15 to 30 minutes A MONTH to complete.  Whatever your amazing planner or supplier skills may be, we can connect you to a KCMPI area that will benefit from your skill set:

• Communications (Marketing, Public Relations, Newsletter, Social Media, Website)
• Education Programs
• Social Events
• Leadership (Volunteers, Awards, Recognition)
• Membership  (Recruitment, Member Retention, Scholarships, Job Bank)
• Finance (Strategic Alliance)

Interested in learning more?  Contact Andrayana Getchell, CMP, Director of Leadership, by email or at 816-285-1402.

 

We would like to welcome the following people to the KCMPI family:

Christina Benjamin, Kansas City Power & Light District

Sarah Bond, Cerner Corporation

Renee Hultgren, K-State Olathe

Thomas Lufft, Adams Pointe Conference Center & Courtyard by Marriott

 

Here’s to YOU! Let’s celebrate our members who celebrate anniversaries in July and August:

23 Years!
Bonnie Siegel, CMP – Ase Group/Access Kansas City – 08/4/1989

20 Years!
Miya Macken, CMP – Bishop-McCann – 07/15/1992

17 Years!
Jeanne Burris – Overland Park CVB – 08/23/1995

13 Years!
Sharon Richards, CMP – The Westin Crown Center Hotel – 08/24/199

12 Years!
Heidi Elser, CMP – Golf Course Superintendents Association of America – 08/07/2000
Judy Schelar, CMP - Golf Course Superintendents Association of America – 08/24/2000

11Years!
Inge Hafkemeyer, CMM – 07/25/2001
Christy Cartwright – Show-Me Audio Visual Resources – 08/29/2001

8 Years!
Gretchen Miles, CMP – ACCP-American College of Clinical Pharmacy – 08/31/2004

6 Years!
Andrea Cowsar  – 08/29/2006

5 Years!
Marissa Schaffner, CMP – Ase Group/Access Kansas City – 07/09/2007
Gina Goldstein – Waddell & Reed – 07/24/2007
Brooke Frazier – Waddell & Reed – 07/25/2007
Rebecca Hensel – Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association – 07/24/2007
Debra Sweeten  – 08/07/2007

4 Years!
Kathy Farina – McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood restaurant – 07/02/2008
Jill Kueser, CMP – Celgene Corporation – 07/23/2008
Amy Groom – Craneware, Inc – 07/24/2008

3 Years!
Rob Hutchison – Sterling Meetings & Events – 08/05/2009
Kurt Dietz – Marriott International – 08/26/2009

2 Years!
Victoria Green – 07/21/2010
Candice Barton – Sheraton Suites Country Club Plaza – 07/29/2010
Courtney Kyriazis – Great Wolf Lodge Kansas City – 08/25/2010

1 Year!
Anne Dillon – Lawrence Convention and Visitors Bureau – 07/06/2011
Malinda Garza – Burgio, Cooney & Associates – 07/28/2011
Carrie Stricker – Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors – 08/08/2011
Sherri Filipczuk, MA – Nueterra Companies – 08/16/2011

 

6/7/2012  -  2011/2012 June: KCMPI Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet

In-Kind Partner
Bob Compton Photography
Contact:    Bob Compton
(913) 940-6358
bob@bobcomptonphotography.com
www.bobcomptonphotography.com

In-Kind Partner
Overland Park Convention and Visitors Bureau
Brad Plum
(913) 427-3713
bplum@visitoverlandpark.org
www.opcvb.org

In-Kind Partner
VAE
Contact:    Darin Grechus
(816) 303-2975
mgarner@vaecorp.com
www.vaecorp.com

In-Kind Friend
Chateau Avalon Hotel
Contact:    Jayme Clark
(913) 596-6000
jaymec@chateauavalonhotel.com
www.chateauavalonhotel.com


Cash Friend
Francis Family Foundation
Contact:    Shari Hockenbery
(816) 531-0077
shari@francisfoundation.org
www.francisfoundation.org

Hampton Inn-Village West
Contact:    Kara Brady
(913) 907-1954
kbrady@simonkonover.com
www.kchampton.com
   
Holiday Inn Express, KC-Village West
Contact:    Kara Brady
(913) 907-1954
kbrady@simonkonover.com
www.hiekc.com

Host Venue
InterContinental Kansas City
Contact:    Chris Aquino
(816) 303-2994
caquino@kansascityic.com
www.kansascityic.com

Friend of the Chapter
Lori Holt Majewski
Connie Duglin Specialty Linen Rental
(314)397-8639
stldiv@cdlinen.com
www.cdlinen.com

 

In-Kind Friend
Agenda: USA
Contact:    Kathleen Murray
Ph:    (913) 268-4466
kmurray@agendausa.com
www.agendausa.com
  
InterContinental Kansas City
Contact:    Chris Aquino
(816) 303-2994
caquino@kansascityic.com
www.kansascityic.com

7/18/2012  -  2012/2013 July Board Meeting

In-Kind Friend
Holiday Inn Express, KC-Village Wes t
Contact:    Kara Brady
(913) 907-1954
kbrady@simonkonover.com
www.hiekc.com

7/9/2012  -  2012/2013 CMP Study Group - Fall

In-Kind Friend
K-State Olathe
Contact:    Rene Hultgren
(913) 307-7308
ReneeH@K-State.edu
http://olathe.k-state.edu/events

 

Back by popular demand with new opportunities!

KCMPI has worked with the Kansas City Chiefs to bring you tickets to, not just a couple, but for all September and October home games this year!

KCMPI members, friends and family have the opportunity to attend any Kansas City Chiefs football game and raise money for KCMPI! For $35 each, you can watch the Chiefs on their quest for an AFC Championship. Watch the new players and coach and be a part of this exciting season. KCMPI gets $10 for each ticket sold! 

It’s a steal! These tickets are heavily discounted just for KCMPI. Originally valued from $54 to $83, you can afford to bring the whole family!

Tickets are limited and are on a first-come-first-serve basis! In order to guarantee seats together, tickets must be purchased two weeks prior to each game.

If you are interested in November or December games, please contact Brent Raymond directly at braymond@swankav.com